Miles Barnes Obituary

Miles James "Jim" Barnes, age 97, of Manomet in Plymouth, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth.

He was the beloved husband of the late Elizabeth M. (McDonnell) Barnes, and the son of the late Percival S. and Mildred (Rider) Barnes.

He is survived by son David Barnes (Marissa), daughter Diana Barnes Fabrizio (Stephen), Darren Barnes and Erica Crothers. Also, his grandchildren Rachel, Olivia, Colin, Carter, Miles, Madison, Evan, Drew and Will

Born in West Haven, Connecticut, on February 28, 1928, Jim was a 1946 graduate of Glastonbury High School. He joined the United States Navy shortly thereafter and was assigned to weather school in Lakehurst, New Jersey. Upon completion, he was stationed with the Hurricane Microseismic Research Project in Miami, Florida, with overseas assignments following in Guam (M.I.), Subic Bay (P.I.), and Antigua (B.W.I.).

In 1949, Jim took the exam for the Naval Aviation Cadet Program and was accepted in 1950. He completed training as a Naval Aviator in 1951 and was assigned to Fighter Squadron Seventy-One (VF-71), flying F9F-2 Panthers out of Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island.

His first deployment was to Korea in May 1952 aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CA-31) with Carrier Air Group Seven. He was later deployed to the Mediterranean in September 1953 with VF-71 aboard the USS Bennington (CVA-20), and again in May 1955 to Japan aboard the USS Hornet (CVA-12).

In 1956, Jim was honored to be accepted into the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron-the Blue Angels-under Commander Zeke Cormier.

After his military service, Jim transitioned to a commercial aviation career, joining Mohawk Airlines in 1957. Following the 1972 merger with Allegheny Airlines, he was based in Boston, flying the BAC-111 and later the DC-9. Allegheny became US Air in 1978, where Jim continued flying until his retirement on February 27, 1988. His final flight, BOS–BTV–BOS, was shared with his entire family, thanks to the thoughtful efforts of USAir.

Jim was a proud member of the Airline Pilots Association, ANA Pilot Squadron, Soaring Eagles (Retired USAir Pilots), the American Legion, and the Tailhook Association. He also enjoyed bowling and playing golf in his retirement.

Jim was a fan of a perfectly ripe tomato, a really good cup of coffee, 40's music, had a soft spot for animals and loved a good conversation. He will be missed by all his friends and family for his easy-going, welcoming nature.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Cartmell-Davis Funeral Home, 619 State Road, Plymouth (Manomet). Visitation with the family will take place from 10:00–11:00 AM.

Committal services will follow at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave., Bourne, MA.